The Z-Fighters found themselves in the middle of a dark forest which seemed to be dimly lit by some unknown source. The trees had purple leaves, which served to increase the etherealness of their appearance.
The sound of an owl's call could be heard somewhere in the distance.
"Quite the spooky place we find ourselves in this time eh?" Goten said, trying to remain light heartened amid the gloom.
"Its dark. No big deal." Trunks said, adjusting his scarf nerviously.
Majuub, who had remained silent the entire time they were in the second king's domain, choose to speak.
"Is it too much for you guys? Trunks I can understand, but I thought you were tougher than that after our last fight Goten." Majuub said with a half-smirk.
Majuub's black clothing nearly blended in with their dark surroundings. Goten had to squint to be able to see who he was talking to.
"So now you talk. I wonder Majuub, were you afraid what would have happened if Zaragog had used his technique on you?" Goten said, staring without pause at Majuub, who returned his stare.
"Vegeta and Nouva took care of that problem. But you didn't answer my question Goten." Majuub said.
"Uub, Goten, thats enough. The last thing we need is fighting amongst ourselves, considering what we are up against." Goku said with a stern tone.
Majuub rolled his eyes and turned his gaze away from Goten.
Gohan noticed a wooden sign directly ahead near a group of trees.
"Hey everyone whats that?" Gohan asked, pointing to the sign. Trunks, Vegeta, Goku, Goten, Majuub and Nouva all looked in the direction Gohan pointed.
Nouva crossed his arms. Even moreso than the previous two demon worlds, he didn't like this place one bit.
"It says on the road you shall travel ahead take a right and you will reach the carnival of night." Goten said, reading the sign aloud so the others could hear.
"What nonsense." Vegeta said, annoyance evident in his tone.
"Maybe we should follow the sign's directions father, I don't know about you but I haven't been able to sense anything strong enough to be this world's king." Trunks said.
"I agree with Trunks Vegeta, we don't have many other options anyway." Goku said.
"So you want us to follow a rhyming sign that points the way to a carnival Kakorot? Maybe you really are a clown." Vegeta said with his trademark smirk.
"Very funny." Goku responded.
A soft wind blew threw the area, causing the entire forest to roar with the sound of rustling leaves. Goku could have sworn he saw a group of shadows move in and out of the darkness of the forest.
"All that you have accomplished is meaningless"
"Did anyone hear anything?" Goku asked.
"It is just your imagination Goku. Come, let us proceed." Nouva said, placing one of his golden feet forward.
Majuub looked around and narrowed his eyes.
The group walked forward, following the directions written on the wooden sign. After afew minutes of walking they came to a fork in the road.
"The sign said go right." Gohan remarked.
Goku nodded to Vegeta, then to Nouva. The group then followed the right forest trail. After afew minutes of walking Goku spotted a orange puddle.
Nearby, watching silently from the forest, was a crow. The bird stared intently at the Z-fighters with two glowing red eyes.
"Guys lets stop and rest a moment. Ever since we entered Demon World we haven't had a single break. I know we have a time limit, but alittle rest won't kill us." Goku said.
"A short reprieve. Agreed Goku." Nouva said
The group all sat down in a circle. Nouva smiled and lit a campfire in the center of the circle.
"Thankyou Nouva." Goten said
A moment passed with no conversation. The sound of various forest animals served as the only background noise.
"So when was the last time we were all sitting together like this? Its been years hasn't it?" Trunks said.
"Yeah, that party we had after Buu was defeated." Vegeta said.
"Our families really drifted apart after that didn't they?" Goten said.
"Goten its best you don't bring up that topic." Gohan said sadly.
Goku was reminded immediately of Chi Chi. He sighed before standing up.
"Hey guys I hope you all don't mind but I'd like to stand alone for a moment." Goku said.
"You ok Goku?" Trunks asked
"Leave him my son. Sometimes a man must pursue solitude in order to find clarity and peace." Vegeta said.
Goku left the group. He walked over and stood near the strange orange puddle he had seen earlier.
Goku looked up into the sky. Not a single star lit the sky. The sky was empty.
"Sort of like the hole in my heart that can only be filled by you Chi Chi" Goku thought sadly.
Memories filled Goku's mind. Goku remembered the first time he met the Ox King's daughter. He was only a child then, as was she. By accident Goku had entered into a marriage agreement with her, not knowing at the time what marriage truly was.
Years later Chi Chi had entered the world martial arts tournament in order to face Goku. After he had defeated Piccolo, Goku and Chi Chi had left on an adventure to find the Dragonballs. That had been their honeymoon, and Goku had never been happier.
They had built a house near his grandfather's on Mount Pouzu. Things had been happy, but that happiness only increased when Gohan was born. Goku swelled up with pride knowing he had become a father.
"Oh Gohan. Everytime I look at you I am proud, a man could not ask for a better son. But I can't help but see your mother in you, and it breaks my heart. It breaks my heart to be reminded of someone I failed so utterly and completely." Goku thought.
Chi Chi had not always been the most pleasant to be around. She was very overprotective of Gohan when he was growing up, and she often got furiously angry at the slightest thing. But she was a great wife. No matter how many years he had been gone, she had waited. No matter the obstacle, she stayed by his side. Even if she did not know for sure that her husband would return.
But all the times Chi Chi had let things go had added up. Her death at the hands of Krysis was the last straw.
Goku shook his head. He had to stop feeling sorry for himself. After this was all over they could be together again, this time for good.
Thoughts of his wife off his mind, Goku's attention was drawn to the strange orange ooze.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Goku reached down his hand..and touched the ooze.
The second his hand made contact with the slimy orange substance, Goku instantly regretted it. A million disturbing and nightmarish images entered his mind all at once. But one thing more than all others floated to prominence in Goku's mind when he touched the ooze.
A single rhyming pair of sentences, repeating itself without end.
"The 10th is the 11th. In order for true evil to rise, death, yes even death itself must die."
Goku quickly pulled his hand away from the ooze. Looking over his hand, Goku was relieved to see none of the substance on him.
"That was weird. Oh well, I better get back to the others." Goku said, then began walking back over to the rest of the Z-Fighters.
As Goku walked a crow that had been watching him took flight.
"Feeling any better Dad?" Gohan asked as Goku stopped walking.
"Alittle. Everyone rested? I'd like to get going if possible." Goku said.
"Agreed. Enough sitting around everyone, its time to get moving." Vegeta said.
"We aren't going to make smores? How disapointing." Majuub said.
Goten ignored Majuub and stood up.
"Alright, back on the road." Goten said.
"We should just continue going straight, eventually we should arrive at the carnival that sign was talking about." Trunks suggested.
Without another word the group continued on its way. Eventually Nouva spotted another sign, this one had a large red arrow on it with a message that said "This way."
As the group walked more and more signs could be seen nailed to the trees. Eventually they came to a large archway decorated with two crows with wings outstreched. Beyond the archway was a large purple tent, the kind of tent one may find at a circus. Surrounding the large tent were several smaller tents.
Thousands of people were gathered in crowds around and nearby the large tent. Vegeta could see several clowns, dressed in gawdy rainbow-colored outfits, amusing a small group of people.
"Look Kakorot, the circus is in town. You'd fit right in." Vegeta said with a smirk.
"Good one." Goku said, smiling slightly at Vegeta's teasing.
"Are those humans at the circus or demons?" Gohan asked.
"They look and feel like humans to me." Nouva said.
"We should probably check this circus out. Maybe someone who works here would know where we can find the third demon king?" Trunks suggested.
"We don't have much of a choice." Goten said
The group walked past a large crowd of people and approached the entrance to the large purple tent. Standing in front of the entrance was a man with light blonde hair, a fair complexion, and a tuxedo. The man carried a medium-length black cane.
"Ah more guests. Step right up and enter the tent behind me. Believe me the show is a real heart-stopper. Its simply to die for." The man said in a shrill but mature voice.
Goten exthanged glances with Trunks, both friends shrugged their shoulders.
"I have a bad feeling about this. Oh well, if this is a trap, they will find I'm more than prepared for it." Majuub thought to himself.
The group entered the tent and was immediately greeted by the sight of thousands sitting in a stadium-like seating arrangment. Lights shone from above on the center of the room.
As the Z-Fighters took their seats they saw a man in the center of the room. The man had a black top hat, a black tuxedo and shoes, and carried a large black cane. The man had a black mustache.
With a booming voice the man spoke.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen. Tonite we have some special guests joining us. Give a round of applause for Goku and his friends!" The man, apparently the ringmaster said.
Immediately the crowd erupted in furious applause.
"Thankyou one and all. Now I will share with you what is in store for tonite's entertainment. Because we have such special guests, none other than our king himself will be preforming for us. It is sure to be a show to remember. Without further adieu..ON WITH THE SHOW!" The man said, then bowed gracefully before walking off.
Gohan turned to Goku and spoke.
"Is the king that guy was talking about the third demon king?" Gohan asked.
"We are about to find out." Goku said.
The lights dimmed suddenly. The crowd was utterly silent. Without further warning the lights shined with several different colors, red, green, yellow, and finally blue. A series of smoke explosions filled the center of the room.
Goku could immediately sense a power level entering the tent. A lone crow flew down and landed in the center of the room. Lightning erupted from each of the four lights and struck the bird.
The bird immediately tranformed, becoming a twenty-year old looking handsome young man with jet black hair, glowing red eyes, and two small horns on his forehead.
The man had one black spiked shoulder pad on his left shoulder. The man wore a black cape, red pants and boots, as well as red gloves.
The man held a microphone in his right hand.
"Is everyone ready to rock?" The man asked, with the crowd cheering in response. The man had an english accent.
"Its time for Vanterus to give all you a good show." The man, who called himself "Vanterus" said right before summoning a black electric guitar into his hands.
"Goku I choose you to be my opponent. Come down here and fight me love." Vanterus said calmly.
"I suppose its my turn then." Goku said before walking away from his friends and family and to the center of the tent.
"Not giving me a hard time on this? Rocking!" Vanterus said with a smile.
"I never run from a challenge." Goku said with a serious expression.
"Rocking! Your widely regarded as the strongest Saiyan who has ever lived..so do give me a good fight." Vanterus said.
Nearby the other Z-Fighters commented on what was taking place.
"How does this Vanterus guy compare to Dabura or Zaragog?" Goten asked.
Trunks looked at Goten, placing his gloved hands on his knees. Nouva cast his golden gaze on Goten as well, choosing to answer Goten's question.
"I'd say just abit more powerful than Zaragog's transformed state." Nouva said.
"If thats the case, then Dad has little to fear from this guy right?" Goten asked, raising his right eyebrow.
"Don't be so sure. He may be hiding his true power, I would not be surprised Goten." Gohan said.
"I'm sure its nothing Goku can't handle." Trunks said, shrugging.
"I should hope so. It would be ridiculous if Kakorot lost to a heavy metal performer." Vegeta said, crossing his arms.
"Alright Goku, show me what your really capable of. Show me so that I can crush you myself later." Majuub thought to himself, a small smile appearing on his lips.
Goku powered up to the first level of Super Saiyan, a golden aura forming around him as he did so, then struck a combat pose, his feet and hands taking a stance favoring defense over was a total unknown, it was best to be cautious.
Vanterus smiled and placed his right hand on the strings of his instrument.
"I have a special tune in mind just for you. It will rock your world." Vanterus said before beginning to play his instrument.
"Lost and confused my mind is abused with the sound of your demise" Vanterus sung the first verse of his song. The melody sounded somehow familiar to Goku, but haunting as well. Deciding he didn't want to be in the middle of a rock proformance, Goku choose that time to attack.
Goku yelled, attempting to strike Vanterus. Goku hit only air however, as the rocker hand warped behind him. The invisible band accompanying Vanterus guitar playing and singing started up again.
"You fight long and hard. You took charge. But in the end all you did was die." Vanterus sung.
Goku cupped his hands together and begun chanting his signature attack.
"Ka" Goku started.
"Death is the fate we all share. Death the only absolute." Vanterus
Bardock narrowed his eyes at Vanterus.
By now Vanterus was tapping his right foot in sync with the invisible drummer.
"So why not go out in style..out with a bang? If we must die..let it not be in shame!" Vanterus smiled and sung.
"Meh" was Goku's only response.
"Rock on!" Vanterus yelled to cheers from the crowd, then begun a guitar solo.
"All intent aside, this Vanterus guy is pretty good." Goten said as he begun to tap his foot in sync with the song.
Trunks noticed he was as well.
Gohan didn't really care for this kind of music, but even he found he couldn't help but get into it. It was like the song got into your head and wanted to become a part of you...
"Ha" Goku said as he pushed his powers up to the second level of super saiyan.
"I live in the darkness..I thrive in the spotlight." Vanterus sung the next verse of his song.
"Meh!" Goku said with a stern expression.
By now even Vegeta couldn't help but get into the music. He and Bardock's feet we tapping in sync with the beat.
"Why is it I like this music so much?" Vegeta asked aloud.
"I don't know..its almost like its alive..becoming a part of us." Bardock said...warning sirens going off in his mind like crazy.
"I..sense dark magic at work here." Nouva said as even his feet were tapping to the music.
"I don't feel a thing" Majuub said, finding himself somehow immune to whatever was going on..
"Beware the webs I weave, my song is old, a living rhthym. Fear what my music creates." Vanterus sung, breaking out into another guitar solo.
"HA!" Goku finished, firing an enormious blue beam at Vanterus, who continued to play his music, as if he was oblivious to the incoming danger.
To Goku's surprise, all his friends flew in front of the blast, shielding Vanterus. All of them fell to the ground, smoking and in a small amount of pain.
"Vanterus your fight is with me..leave my friends out of it!" Goku yelled angrily.
"My fight is with all of you. While its true that I have to choose one primary opponent out of your group, there are no rules against involving your teammates in my battle. Got it love?" Vanterus said with a toothy grin.
"In that case its time I stop playing around myself and take things up a notch." Goku said as he clutched his fists, preparing to power up.
Goku had avoided using any of his higher transformations up until this point for fear of hurting the innocents attention this twisted carnival. He knew Vanterus was taking advantage of that, using all the non-combatants, even his friends and teammates, as shields.
There was a time Goku would have given in..but that was before Chi Chi. Goku's lack of action was what had allowed his beloved wife to die. That would not happen again. Not to Gohan, not to Goten, not to anyone.
With a look of rage in his eyes Goku yelled, shaking the entire building as he did so.
"Now were talking mate...thats it, get all that power out so we can really rock!" Vanterus yelled, loving every minute of this.
"What is that energy I'm feeling from Goku?" Trunks asked.
"I'm not sure..but I don't like it. Kakorot's energy has always felt pure..good. There is something..tainted about whatever he is giving off now." Vegeta said with a worried tone.
Goku's hair grew long and black as red fur covered his arms. A red tail appeared. Goku looked at Vanterus with red rimmed-eyes devoid of mercy or compassion. His feline-like gold eyes looked at Vanterus as a hunter would its prey.
"You choose to use those I care about against me. That is something...you do not do." Goku said darkly, a twisted smile appearing on his face.
"Then what are you going to do about it?" Vanterus asked, his hands on his guitar.
"Whatever I need to do to defeat you." Goku said.
"Rock" Vanterus started to speak, but was interupted when Goku teleported in front of him and slammed him in the chest with a hard right punch.
Vanterus bent over in shock and pain, but quickly righted himself.
"Nice punch love..but that one was a freebie." Vanterus said before he resumed playing on his instrument.
"This fire inside me, this rage its a killing me." Vanterus sung.
"I'm canceling your show." Goku said, swinging another punch at the rocker. This time Vanterus teleported behind Goku and continued playing his tune.
Goku's anger and his patience was limited. This guy had threatened yet more of his family. He would get none of the usual mercy. The mercy and weakness that had allowed those he loved to die.
"Fast teleportation is it? I think I can top that." Goku said darkly, placing two fighters on his forehead.
Goku reappeared behind Vanterus. Before the rocker could react, Goku yelled.
"Dragon Fist!"
Goku once again slammed Vanterus with his right fist, this time using his Dragon Fist technique. The rocker yelled as the golden shenron-like dragon coiled around him, destroying his instrument in the process.
Before the attack could destroy him however, Vanterus yelled, causing Goku's dragon to disappear. He then floated gently to the ground.
"You destroyed my instrument mate. That does not rock." Vanterus said with an annoyed tone.
"Goku took out Vanterus music, that should force him to fight the old fashioned way right?" Goten asked.
"Yes it will Goten..and that is what worries me." Nouva said, looking at the standoff between a very angry Super Saiyan Four Goku and an instrument-less Vanterus.
"I could care less about you and your damn music. Your lucky your still around to make those annoying rock references." Goku said
"Oh really? I'd say I've been quite successful so far against you. You just don't know it yet. I know something about you that you don't mate." Vanterus said with a smile on his face.
"I don't care what you think you know. All I care about is your destruction. Delayed Kamehameha!" Goku yelled.
"Woah!" Vanterus yelled as he was sent skyhigh by the energy from Goku's delayed energy attack. Vanterus went right threw the roof of the tent.
Goku smiled and looked upwards, teleporting above Vanterus.
Goku brought down both his fists on Vanterus and sent the rocker on a return trip to the ground.
As he was heading groundward, Goku clutched his hands, a red energy building between them.
"Kamehameha 10x!" Goku yelled, firing his supercharged red kamehameha.
First Vanterus ripped threw the roof of the tent, then Goku's red beam slammed into him from above, burning what was left of the tent out of existence. The audience was running from the tent in terror.
Silently Goku landed near where Vanterus had hit the ground.
Vanterus was alive, smoking, but alive. He smiled at Goku and gave the saiyan hero a thumbs up before getting to his feet.
"Good show. Not only did you manage to destroy my carnival, but you scared my audience away. Those people come from all over the demon worlds to see me in action." Vanterus said.
"I said your show is canceled." Goku said darkly.
Vanterus laughed.
"Whats so funny?" Goku asked.
"You still don't get it." Vanterus said
"What do you suppose Vanterus is talking about?" Trunks asked.
Gohan decided to answer.
"I think I have a theory..but its better that I don't say anything until I confirm it." Gohan said.
"I also believe I have an idea whats going on. I agree with you Gohan. Unless we know for certain its better we keep it to ourselves." Nouva said.
"I'm not going to avoid the truth..no matter if it pains me to realize it. Goku you were and still are the kindest, most pure-hearted person I know. It makes me proud to know that your my son. But you have allowed your pain to get the best of you. Normally you turn your pain into your strength, you refuse to let it control you. Not this time. This time you want others to feel your pain. That path will only destroy you my son." Bardock thought to himself.
"I've decided I'm not going to give you time to figure it out mate. I'm getting serious. If you've noticed up until now I've not attacked you once, at least physically. Well its time I show you my fighting power. If you hadn't already, I'd say it would have brought down the house." Vanterus said, then clutched his hands.
Goku knew Vanterus was about to power up. He knew he couldn't let that happen.
Goku charged forward, only to meet a violet forcefield that blocked him from his opponent. The same invisible music from before began to play again.
"As long as me band still plays, you have no choice but to let me reach my fighting strength love." Vanterus said, then began to yell.
"" Vanterus yelled. When his yell got loud enough it began to sound like singing.
An aura flashed around Vanterus. First it flashed red, then violet, then blue, then green, then orange, then finally yellow before disappearing.
Vanterus had not transformed. But his power had jumped. He was now slightly beyond Vegeta's full power Super Saiyan Five state in power.
"So what do you think love? Not bad am I? I was surprised Vegeta beat my brother honestly. If it weren't for your dragon friend you all would have been toast mate. And you have the nerve to say I shouldn't involve your friends. Vegeta's fight wasn't exactly one on one was it?" Vanterus said, clutching his hands into fists as he got into a fighting position.
"Your brother got what he deserved..and soon..so will you." Goku said, also striking a combat pose.
Goku's yellow cat-like eyes stared into Vanterus' glowing red eyes.
"Your implying my brother deserved to die. Tell me mate..what crime exactly did my brother commit to warrant your justice?" Vanterus said, continuing to stare relentlessly at Goku.
"He is part of the threat on the Earth. Unless he was defeated than the Earth and everyone on it would cease to be." Goku said flatly.
"And so your saying the ends justified the means? That the good of the many outways the good of the few or something like it? Am I right love?" Vanterus asked.
"That is exactly what I am saying." Goku said.
"Do you know anything at all about the race your protecting? Nevermind that. Do you know anything about the races of the universe you choose to save?" Vanterus asked.
"What are you talking about?" Goku asked, begining to lose his patience for talking.
"Humans, the dominant race on the planet you call Earth, are one of the most violent species in the universe. It is a trait of theirs on every universe humans exist. They are experts at constantly finding new ways to lie, cheat and kill each other. You think we demons are evil? Well at least we don't lie to ourselves. At least we acknowledge our wickedness. Humans? They justify it. And thats just humanity." Vanterus said.
"Shut up." Goku said darkly.
"The Saiyans, your people, were originally a peaceful people that loved fighting for sport and fun. That was until a related race, the Pariahans enslaved them, instilling in them a love for killing and violence far beyond what they were naturally inclined to. When your ancestors broke free, they wandered the universe for a millenia, until they settled on a planet inhabited by a people called the Tuffles. The Tuffles were an advanced race...and much like humans, they excelled at creating new ways to fuel their greed and lust for power. The Tuffles tried to enslave your race..they failed and were killed. You would think your people would have turned to peace after that..but they didn't." Vanterus said, a smile forming on his face.
"I said shut up." Goku said.
"Then there's the Arcosians, who set your people up for their own eventual destruction. The Arcosians were notorious traders and pirates. Once they sold a primitive world technology that eventually destroyed the planet's natural ecosystem. The Arcosians of coarse had the solution, selling those same people manufactured substitutes. They enslaved entire worlds. I believe you defeated a couple of the stronger Arcosians..Frieza and Cooler ring a bell?" Vanterus said.
Goku had had enough. He charged at Vanterus intending on punching the rocker. Vanterus however, caught Goku's right fist with his own right hand, holding Goku's hand with a vice-like grip.
Goku yelled in rage, firing a one-handed Kamehameha with his left hand. The blast exploded point-blank, but once the smoke cleared, Vanterus was standing in the same position and completely unharmed.
Vanterus smiled, then brought his left boot forward and slammed Goku in the stomach with a hard left kick, all the while continuing to hold Goku's right arm.
"Point blank energy attacks is it?" Vanterus said while he charged orange energy in his left hand.
Vanterus let loose, firing blast after orange blast at Goku point blank. Goku yelled in agony and pain as the attacks slammed into him.
After a minute of this, Vanterus let Goku go, the Saiyan stumbling backwards a distance.
A wind blew threw the violet forest surrounding the carnival clearing suddenly. Goku was for a split-second, distracted by the sudden wind. That instant was all the opening Vanterus needed.
Vanterus ran forward and slammed Goku's jaw with an uppercut from his right fist. Goku tried to block his next punch with his left arm, but regretted doing so instantly as a sharp, burning pain accompanied the sound of a crunch on impact.
Goku yelled in agony, holding his injured arm with his one good arm.
"Your screaming is beautiful...I should think about adding that sound to my next big hit." Vanterus said, a smile forming on his lips.
Vegeta, still sitting with the others nearby, was losing patience. Vegeta clutched both his hands into fists.
"Kakorot you idiot!" Vegeta said.
"Why doesn't dad ascend. He can cream this guy as a Super Saiyan Five." Goten said with a confused tone.
Majuub looked at Goten briefly, then back to Goku, who was struggling to stand as Vanterus slowly walked towards him.
"Goku can't ascend because he is no longer pure. Just like that old man Roshi can't fly on that cloud anymore. I always thought your purity of character was unbreakable Goku. I hated you for it. Seeing that even you can fall..well I'm not sure I should be happy or sad." Majuub thought.
"Are you wondering why you can't transform Goku? Are you confused why you must endure this pain in a fight that should have been over in minutes? Even I have mercy for my enemies. I'll tell ya love. Its because your heart is no longer pure. You want to defeat me? Find a way to make yourself pure again." Vanterus said, smiling his wicked smile again.
Vanterus was enjoying every minute of this. Crushing someone who was supposed to be a symbol of justice, someone who had earlier seemed incorruptible to his eyes, and doing so after proving even the most righteous could fall..it filled Vanterus with utter ecstasy.
Goku looked at the ground. He knew his opponent was right. If guilt over Chi-Chi had caused him break his principles. He was no longer worthy of being a Super Saiyan Five.
"I won't let your suffering go on long. This next attack will end this, then you can rest in peace." Vanterus said, pointing both hands at Goku.
"Iron..Maiden!" Vanterus yelled, firing a ring-shaped beam in Goku's direction. Once the beam struck Goku, a metal, coffin-like object materialized around him. The coffin had a woman's face with a forlorn expression carved on it.
Inside the object, Goku struggled not to be impaled by the many spikes lining the object.
"Dad no!" Gohan yelled in alarm, getting to his feet.
"Up the irons mates! Who wants to be my next opponent?" Vanterus yelled triumphantly.
Vegeta clutched his white-gloved fists in anger. Vanterus had planned on using Goku's love for his wife against him the moment they entered his world.
"You have no honor." Vegeta said, getting to his feet and pointing an accusing finger at Vanterus.
"What did you expect mate?" Vanterus said, glancing briefly at Vegeta and smiling.
"Evil rarely has honor Vegeta. My flame hungers for him..but I respect your wishes if you want to be the one to avenge our comrade." Nouva said.
"There is no need to avenge anyone Nouva..Kakorot is not dead." Vegeta said, looking with disgust at Vanterus.
Inside the Iron Maiden Goku was lost in thought even as he fought death itself.
"Chi Chi..I'm so so sorry. I failed you again. I allowed my emotions to control me." Goku thought.
"But it is your emotions that are your greatest strength. Your enemies have deceived you into believing your strength is your weakness. Do not be blinded by the intentions of the darkness. Remember whom you serve. Remember the cause you fight for. Remember all you love. Remember that...and no sin can claim your soul." A wise and incredibly kind voice said.
"Goku you are only mortal. Even you are not immune to the darkness. Embrace what is inevitable..give in." A seductive voice said.
"I may not be immune..but I know darkness is not inevitable." Goku thought.
"Yes it is. Darkness is inevitable...death the only absolute." The seductive voice spoke again.
"There are many absolutes..and death is not one of them. Truth...love...light...hope..but never death. It is true that all mortals are fated to die..but death is not the end..it is only the next phase of the journey. Any who truly love truth and light, who embrace all that is right, those will never truly fear death..for they have an ally who has conquered death." The wise voice spoke.
"The light...the source" Goku thought, remembering.
Vanterus walked slowly towards where the other Z-Fighters were standing. He was about to speak when he was literally sent onto the ground by the force of an explosion behind him.
The iron maiden had exploded, revealing a blinding light.
Vanterus turned, then immediately shielded his eyes.
"That light! What is that horrible light?" Vanterus asked.
"I am the hope of the universe. I am the answer to all those that cry out for peace. I am an ally to good...a nightmare to you." Goku spoke.
"Oh no." Vanterus said, his eyes widening in alarm as he slowly turned his head back towards Goku.
"I am...a Super Saiyan!" Goku, now in his Super Saiyan Five form said with a smile.
Goku stared at Vanterus with eyes that resembled two miniature white suns. The silver fur on his head and body were like a knight in shining armor, a warrior who held to a code of honor, who fought for the weak and punished the wicked.
"Impossible..how is it you survive! You shouldn't have had access to that form after what we did to you!" Vanterus yelled.
"You tried to taint me. To break me. Well you nearly succeeded." Goku said in a voice hinting at wisdom far beyond his experiences.
"Then how!" Vanterus yelled.
"Because I'm better than you." Goku said, a smile forming on his face, then formed his hands into fists.
"Don't think you've won Super Saiyan." Vanterus hissed, then fired blasts of orange energy in Goku's direction.
Goku took all of Vanterus' attacks. None of them did any kind of real damage to the Super Saiyan Five.
"You should stick to music. As a fighter you clearly could use some training." Goku said without a hint of sarcasm as he advanced towards Vanterus.
"Silence!" Vanterus yelled, charging Goku. Goku easily dodged the twelve or so punches Vanterus aimed his way.
"Velvet Revolver!" Vanterus yelled, firing a series of high-speed orange energy blasts from his right hand, which he held pointing in a gun-like shape pointing at Goku. Goku waded threw the attacks. Each blast had seemingly no effect on him.
"Mega" Vanterus started but was interrupted by a hard right fist from Goku.
Vanterus stumbled over, holding his chest in pain.
"I've had enough of the rock references. I'm now going to give you two choices. One, you give up, allowing us passage to the next demon world. I should not have to tell you what the second option is." Goku said with a smile.
"Who are you to dictate terms to me in my own realm?" Vanterus said, his anger beginning to rise.
"So its going to be the hard way then. I can't say I'm surprised." Goku said as violet energy began building up in Goku's right palm.
"I had hoped to kill you without the hassle of a real battle. But it seems I will have to transform to defeat you. If you recall...Zaragog was my brother. Like him we have objects that we store the majority of our demonic power in. For him it was his motorcycle..for me." Vanterus started.
Goku wanted to finish it and just blast Vanterus, but another part of him prevailed over those thoughts and intentions. Call it Saiyan pride, honor, mercy or courage, but something in him wanted to fight Vanterus at his best. To defeat Vanterus while he had the ability to fight back. Maybe it was the good old Saiyan instincts in him, or maybe it was because Vanterus had not given him the same courtesy, but Goku would only be satisfied if Vanterus was at his best.
Vanterus conjured a red stylized electric guitar into his hands.
"For me its my mighty and trusty guitar. Now to play the last tune you will ever hear." Vanterus said with a smile before he began playing a new melody on his guitar.
As he played a column of rainbow colored light enveloped Vanterus. The column went all the way up to the sky, changing the pitch black sky of the world to a constantly shimmering rainbow.
"Its beautiful..much better than that creepy black void that was there before." Goten remarked.
"Don't be deceived. Sometimes the most deadly things are hidden in the most beautiful." Nouva said, crossing his golden arms.
In seconds after it had started the column of light disappeared. Vanterus was now encased in red, medieval style plate armor on everything but his head. On his shoulders two stylized black ravens were carved. On his chest Vanterus now had a stylized crow with wings extended.
Instead of a guitar, Vanterus now held a large two bladed battleaxe in his right hand.
Vanterus smiled and looked at Goku.
"Lets rock." The demon king said, then leapt at Goku. Goku leapt into the air to meet Vanterus' attack. He nimbly dodged the blade of his opponent's axe, then delivered a fierce punch to the rocker's chest, only to be surprised when the armor reduced any damage he might otherwise inflict down to almost nothing.
Goku landed on the ground opposite Vanterus, then turned and faced his opponent.
"That is some pretty tough armor." Goku said.
"Wonderful isn't it love? Vanterus said, then tossed his axe at Goku, who quickly ducked to avoid the weapon.
Vanterus held out bold hands and fired two beams of orange energy at Goku, both of which he managed to dodge.
The axe nearly struck Goku in the head, if it weren't for the Saiyan's sharp hearing. The weapon flew over Goku when he ducked to avoid it, and returned like a faithful servant to the waiting right hand of Vanterus.
"Your certainly good at dodging things love. Lets see how you dodge THIS!" Vanterus yelled, pointing his axe into the sky.
A portion of the sky fell down in the form of a rainbow-colored metior. The object nearly struck Goku, who flew backwards and into the air to avoid it. The truck-sized object slammed into the ground, causing a huge explosion. The Z-Fighters and any carnival members still around were forced to get a safe distance away.
"You dodged one..so what. I have the entire sky love. Sky Diamond Meteor Revolution!" Vanterus yelled
Suddenly the entire rainbow filled sky began falling tiny piece by piece in the form of truck-sized metiors.
Literally the entire sky was coming against Goku. Goku knew he couldn't avoid all the billions of objects falling towards him. Instead he decided to follow the advice of that age-old proverb and use offense for defense.
"Grand Kamehameha!" Goku yelled, firing a huge violet-hued blast from both his hands at the incoming metiors.
Some distance away, the other Z-Fighters watched Goku.
"I think dad has the right idea. Masenko!" Gohan yelled, firing the strongest blast he could in his basic super saiyan form at the incoming metiors.
"You said it Gohan. Double Kamehameha!" Goten yelled, now in his super saiyan form as he fired two white kamehamehas at the falling objects.
"Buster Cannon!" Trunks gathered energy in each of his hands and formed it into a large yellow ball, he then pulled it back and fired at the incoming metiors.
"Nova Death Ray!" Nouva yelled, firing a large red beam of energy and fire.
"Final Flash!" Vegeta yelled, sending his own beam at the incoming objects.
"Lightning...Arrow!" Majuub yelled, firing millions of tiny energy blasts like a whirlwind into the sky.
Each of the Z-Fighter's attacks slammed into the incoming rain of rainbow-colored meteors and destroyed them on impact.
Back at the battlefield, Goku stood triumphantly, having avoided Vanterus latest attack.
"So you and your mates managed to avoid my metiors? So what." Vanterus yelled, then flew at Goku, battleaxe in hand.
Goku flew out of the way of each of Vanterus three swings.
"You really should be careful with that axe, you could really hurt someone." Goku said with a smirk.
"Thats the point!"Vanterus yelled, then swung his axe down at Goku. To Vanterus' shock, Goku managed to catch his axe by holding it on the flat side of the axe's blades with both palms.
"Let go!" Vanterus said, annoyance evident in his tone.
"If you say so." Goku said.
Goku released the axe. Vanterus immediately inspected his weapon.
"Don't you put your simian Saiyan hands on me axe again!" Vanterus said angrily.
"I have a much better target." Goku said, rushing forwards, his fists glowing with golden light.
Vanterus then realized what was happening.
"Oh no you don't!" Vanterus said, swinging his axe down at Goku before he could strike him with his attack.
Goku grabbed the axe again. This time though, the energy in his hands caused the axe to shatter.
Vanterus looked with disbelief at his shattered axe.
"That axe was a gift from my brother. You will pay for that Saiyan!" Vanterus yelled, dropping the hilt of his weapon uselessly onto the ground.
"I gave you two choices Vanterus. I still extend that offer. Allow us to pass to the fourth demon world. There is no need for you to die needlessly." Goku said.
"Goku and his famous compassion. Your mocking me. You think I can't beat you don't you?" Vanterus asked, clutching his red armored hands in anger as he gazed at Goku with both his glowing red eyes.
"I don't think..I know you cannot defeat me. Last chance Vanterus. Give up." Goku said, crossing his massive silver furred arms.
"Never!" Vanterus yelled, then flew at high speeds at Goku.
"Have it your way." Goku said sadly, shaking his head briefly.
Goku easily blocked the thousands of punches Vanterus aimed his way. Vanterus was so blinded by his own arrogance and rage that he failed to notice the golden energy gathering in both Goku's arms.
"Let it be finished! Twin Dragon Fist!" Goku yelled, bringing both his fists forward slamming into Vanterus' chest armor.
Vanterus erupted in a column of golden light. He screamed in agony as two shenron-like gold dragons coiled around him.
"Is..is this the true power of the righteous?" Vanterus said as his body began to disintegrate from his feet on up.
Vanterus uttered one last final cry of agony before disappearing. The golden light from Goku's attack faded, and Goku noticed a doorway appear in the center of where Vanterus' carnival tent once stood.
"I didn't want to kill you." Goku said solemnly, then landed on the ground and slowly walked towards the doorway.
The other Z-Fighters quickly reached his position.
"Dad that was amazing!" Goten said.
"Yeah you really showed that guy." Gohan said.
"I take no pleasure in this victory. I allowed my feelings to control me. I nearly cost you all your lives. Defeating him was penitence." Goku said, his voice full of regret.
"I never thought I'd hear you say a word like that father." Gohan said.
"This form increases my wisdom and intelligence along with my power. It is to be expected Gohan." Goku said.
"Gohan are you saying your dad is stupid?" Trunks asked, a smile on his face.
Vegeta crossed his arms and smirked.
"Kakorot may act stupid sometimes..but that does not mean he is lacking in intelligence." Vegeta said with a smirk.
"Was that another circus reference Vegeta?" Goku asked with a smirk of his own.
"Why of coarse." Vegeta said.
Everyone in the group, except for Majuub who stood a short distance away from the rest, erupted in laughter.
Goku allowed himself to revert to his normal form. He then sighed in relief.
"That was a tough one. Not because Vanterus was strong or anything, but the entire emotional battle I had to go threw since arriving here. I hope the rest of the demon worlds are easier..but I know they will probably be even more difficult." Goku said.
"Well, speaking of demon worlds, let us continue onto the next one." Nouva suggested.
The entire group then went threw the door. Majuub paused before entering, and briefly looked around at the devastated carnival.
"Goku you were one of my first friends and my first teacher. Yet since I merged with Super Buu I can't help but think of you as my enemy. If you could conquer your own inner demons..could I do the same?" Majuub thought.
"When we find answers we will know what to do." The innocent Buu thought.
"We will know who we really are...our true purpose and identity." Super Buu thought.
Majuub sighed, then stepped threw the door, the entire group leaving the dark realm of Vanterus behind.